DIY: Creating a Framed Chalkboard Wall

February 9, 2011

My son doing his best ‘Vanna White”

As you know from a few previous posts, I have been feverishly working on my basement revamp! One of the many projects included creating a new Chalkboard Wall for the kids. They just love using chalk on the driveway, but in these winter months that’s unfeasible. So I thought… let’s bring the LOVE of CHALK indoors!

Supplies

MDF Boards (cut to size)

Chalkboard Paint

White Paint (preferably semi-gloss)

Screws

Hammer / Screw gun

Measuring Tape

Pencil

Level

This Chalkboard Wall creation actually cost $0, because all the materials were leftovers from other recent projects. If you were to start from scratch, the project would cost you approximately $20.

{Step By Step}

1. Tape off the area where you’d like to apply the chalkboard paint (from the picture, you can see the old paint in the center and the freshly painted wall around).

NOTE: Your chalkboard wall can be as big or small as you’d like. I also created a recessed panel below to work with the existing outlet placement ~ you don’t have to do this.(Obviously, I don’t want the kids drawing with chalk on the outlet)

2. Once you’ve painted the chalkboard on the wall, cut your lumber to the appropriate size. The lumber will cover the line of where the wall paint color meets the chalkboard paint. Start with the top rail. Make sure that it’s level.

NOTE: We used MDF (medium density fiberboard)…it’s the easiest and cleanest to work with. I had leftover pieces from creating my craft area and had the rails cut to the exact size at HD.

3. Install the two side rails, but ONLY put in the top screw.

4. Install the middle and bottom rail. Again, check that they are plumb. Then return to the side rails, and screw them into place.

Lastly, fill in all your screw holes with spackle. Once dry, retouch any spots with paint. It is best to wait a few days before using chalk, see the back of the can for more details.

This is the chalkboard paint that I used:

This is a picture taken when using the chalkboard paint for another project, found {here}

{Ready to USE}

Your chalkboard is done and ready for endless hours of FUN. This is a fairly straight-forward and easy project that will be a sure hit for the cold winter months (and hot summer days).

As you can see, my son couldn’t wait to start drawing.

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent basement project. Check back soon for more updates and tutorials!

fabulous tutorial! I've been meaning to turn one of the ares in my kitchen into a functional chalkboard wall!

I also wanted to let you know that you are the winner of my first year anniversary giveaway! Congratulations! I will be emailing you with the details on how to claim your prize and link the announcement below! Thank you so much for entering, I hope you love the Fine Art Photography prints as much as I loved taking them!:)

That looks fabulous. Totally built in, and kids do love it. Hey adults love it too. I had one in my sons room, and while it was huge, and practical, I made it with leftover sheetrock that I painted, so it def didn't look fabulous, an dI ended up taking it down. Not to mention the chalk dust. How do you handle that?